J. st*ssel annoys me
, he picks topics that he can bring his POV to, and say, "look! i'm smarter than everyone else, what were they thinking?" or his usual, "gimme a break."
I've occasionally watched John Stossel on 20/20. I found him interesting enough to check his books out of the library, it's easier to analyze statements in print than when info is flittering by on the small screen.
Very roughly speaking, and all JMO, I'd break down his comments in the book as follows:
~1/3 very thought provoking, really turning the accepted view of an issue on it's head.
~1/3 kinda weak arguments, but still may make you think about an issue in a new light.
~1/3 are pretty poor, and he is as guilty of using selective data and twisting logic as the people he accuses.
Overall, I thought his books were a good read. Like anything, don't take it as either right/wrong, just another POV. IMO, enough of it was done well enough to make it worth my while, and it is an easy read. I learned a thing or three.
No, I don't think he deserves a Nobel Prize for his work in this area
And I wouldn't be surprised that he is totally annoying in a social situation
I think 'gimme a break' is a bit more open ended and honest than 'the debate is over'.
-ERD50
PS ? Why did you use the abbrev and * in his name? Do you really hate him that much that you wouldn't want his name and yours to come up in search? Just curious.